PSALM OF THE TOURIST

It’s cool inside the church, out of the sun: We have to stop and wait to feel the place,

but now we have to pay, we could always leave: the people here are nice, they need our money.

Embraced by this vast cathedral, huge and stately: I feel an insignificance, looking upward,

just think who built these stones and wooden seats: the skills are awesome of people dead and gone.

So I shall some time go, what will I leave: Do I have skills to share and leave behind?

Grandpa dies last week, and he’d been here: my friend is worrying too, how can I help?

Buildings are our history stretching backwards: reminding us of other times, different, vibrant,

for here have stood the great and famous people: thousands of ordinary people to meet their God.

A church is a place that’s full of people: my life is formed of people making it special.

Now we go back to the world outside: seeming to feel better; thank you for presence.

Is this all to do with God: have I been there to pray, inside my head?

It feels a different place, numinous, quiet: it’s thousands of prayers held in stone.

"Psalms of Life" is a collection of modern psalms written by John Hammersley. It is a resource for Christian worship, or private prayer and inspiration. If you find something useful or helpful please do leave message in the guestbook.

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